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If the phrases "Translated from the ancient runes by Hermione Granger" and "Commentary by Albus Dumbledore" don't get your Hedwig-emblazoned Underoos in a twist, we might as well cut to the chase: The Tales of Beedle the Bard probably isn't for you (and you're also probably a joyless, dour ass, but that's beside the point).

Considering all the hype surrounding the seventh and final book in the Harry Potter series, you would think that the July 21 release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is one of the most anticipated events in human history. Well, almost.

More by Mark Peikert

Rarely do plays that utilize puppets and masks succeed as admirably as does The Emperor Jones. Director Ciarán O’Reilly deserves all the critical accolades coming to him for resurrecting Eugene O’Neill’s play about despots in power, bringing it to crackling life once again.

There’s something potent about Melissa James Gibson’s haunting new play This at Playwrights Horizons, something that draws you into the story even as you find yourself intermittently annoyed by the prospect of more floundering yuppies coming to terms with their mortality.